By Suleiman Anyalewechi
The Pan Niger Delta Forum PANDEF, on Friday, April 18, 2025, appealed to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, to take urgent steps towards reversing most of the unconstitutional and illegal measures and appointments taken in Rivers state by the Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete Ibas rtd.
The Forum, also, lauded the National Assembly for its decision to constitute a Committee to monitor the implementation of the State of Emergency declared in Rivers State by the President.
The Source reports that Abbas, earlier in the week, inaugurated a 21- member committee ,charged with the responsibility of ensuring that the state of emergency in the state is carried out in line with the resolutions of the House ,during the approval of the emergency proclamation by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
There have been growing concerns about the activities of Admiral Ibas, especially, in the area of appointments, and dismantling of democratic structures.
In an open letter dated Friday, April 18, 2025, addressed to Speaker Abbas , and signed by its Chairman Amb. Godknows Igali, PANDE , reiterated its opposition to the state of emergency imposed on the State.
The Forum, while calling for the immediate reversal of the controversial decisions and appointments made by the Sole Administrator, also demanded for the restoration of democratic institutions in the State.
The apex socio-cultural body of Niger Deltans, insisted that state of emergency under whatever guise will not provide solution to the festering crisis in Rivers state.
“On behalf of the leadership and people of South- South geo-political Zone, we, the Pan Niger Delta Forum PANDEF, the apex socio-political body of Niger Deltans, extend our profound appreciation to you, and the leadership of the 10th House of Representatives for your courage and foresight in constituting and promptly inaugurating the Ad-Hoc Committee to provide oversight on the current state of emergency in Rivers State, particularly, as it concerns the roles and functions of the suspended Rivers state House of Assembly.
While we acknowledge that this action aligns with the constitutional responsibilities enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), we are convinced it is also a testament to the visionary and focused leadership that the House of Representatives has demonstrated under your stewardship.
“The decision to offer impartial and dispassionate oversight in Rivers State has, as you may have observed, been resoundingly applauded by patriotic Nigerians across the country.
“It is especially heartening that the Chairmanship of the Committee has been entrusted to Professor Julius Ihonvbere, a globally respected scholar, accomplished public servant and principled politician whose integrity and character are widely acknowledged.
“We extend this commendation to the over 20 members of the Committee, many of whom also embody these exemplary qualities.
“We trust that they will collectively deliver the highest standards of national service in carrying out this crucial assignment.
“PANDEF has consistently opposed the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which we believe does not align with the constitutional criteria for such a measure.
Despite political disagreements by individuals, peace has been maintained in the State – unlike in several other parts of the country where security and human lives are under constant threat.
“Indeed, so to say, not even a fly has been harmed in Rivers State, and economic activities remain intact.
“Nonetheless, we continue to urge the good people of Rivers state and, indeed, the entire South-South region to uphold the peace ,and under the current unusual circumstances ,to cooperate with the imposed Administrator.
“That said, we must reiterate our firm position that the appointment of the Sole Administrator is not only a constitutional aberration, but also a serious dent on Nigeria’s democratic image, and its standing within the international community.
“In the light of the above, we hold the expectation that members of the newly inaugurated Ad-Hoc Committee will seize the opportunity to etch their names in gold by providing effective oversight of the Administrator’s actions, and where appropriate reversing some of the unlawful measures he has undertaken since assuming office .
“A case in point is the arbitrary dissolution of duly constituted democratic institutions, followed by rather whimsical and capricious reconstitution of same.
“The Administrator’s pattern of governance has included the appointment of Sole Administrators for Local Government Areas, Heads of Government Agencies without due process and democratic norms.
“It would not be surprising, therefore, if he proceeds in due course to appoint Permanent Secretaries of his choice.
“Similarly, his decision to cancel ,or suspend all ongoing procurement processes, ostensibly to implement his own preferred projects and priorities, raises serious concerns about governance integrity and fiscal transparency”, part of the PANDEF letter reads.
The body emphasized the need for the Ad-Hoc Committee to be encouraged as part of its responsibilities to put machineries in motion for the effective resolution of the political crisis in Rivers state .
According to PANDEF, the task of resolving the crisis should be pursued with a sense of urgency, diligence and unwavering neutrality .
It is the conviction of the Forum that normalcy be returned to Rivers State, owing to its pivotal status as one of the economic nerve centres of the country.
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